Main Thought
Things happen that can rob our joy. Sometimes, people rob our joy! God calls us to walk in unity with others - especially with others in His Body, the Church. Is that truly possible? According to the Apostle Paul, unity is possible because of our shared experiences in Christ. We need to focus on our internal similarities with each other: Christ has encouraged us, comforted us in love, fellowshipped with us and given us compassion. But unity still requires humility! Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate example of humility. Jesus emptied Himself of His divine nature and privileges when He became flesh. He served people, without a need for applause. These things are seen in His death on the Cross. God exalted Jesus after He humbled himself; we can also find joy if we’re willing to humble ourselves before God too.
Main Passages
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
- Philippians 2:1-4
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place…
- Philippians 2:6-9
Discussion Questions
What are some “opponents” you face that seek to steal your joy from you?
What keeps us from humbling ourselves before God and others?
Paul encourages us to have the same mind or attitude of Jesus. The goal is not merely to do the actions of Jesus, but to possess his mind and attitude in us. How does having the mind of Christ and putting the needs of others first impact our daily lives?
Family Questions
How can you put others first and help them this week?